Food Manufacturing in the UAE
Available in 14 free zones — compare costs and requirements below.
Free Zones Offering Food Manufacturing
| Free Zone | Emirate | Specialty | From (Year 1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFZ — Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | General trading, manufacturing | AED 10,300 | View Details |
| Meydan — Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | General business, startups | AED 12,500 | View Details |
| IFZA — International Free Zone Authority | Dubai | General business, services | AED 12,900 | View Details |
| UAQFTZ — UAQ Free Trade Zone | Umm Al Quwain | Trading, manufacturing, services | AED 15,000 | View Details |
| FFZA — Fujairah Free Zone | Fujairah | Trading, oil storage, shipping | AED 15,500 | View Details |
| RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone | Ras Al Khaimah | General business, manufacturing | AED 15,500 | View Details |
| HFZ — Hamriyah Free Zone | Sharjah | Industrial, manufacturing, oil & gas | AED 17,500 | View Details |
| SAIF — Sharjah Airport International Free Zone | Sharjah | Aviation, logistics, trading | AED 17,500 | View Details |
| JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone | Dubai | Logistics, manufacturing, trading | AED 18,500 | View Details |
| KIZAD — Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | Industrial, manufacturing | AED 22,000 | View Details |
| DWTC — Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone | Dubai | Events, exhibitions, trading | AED 23,500 | View Details |
| DAFZA — Dubai Airport Free Zone | Dubai | General trading, logistics | AED 28,500 | View Details |
| DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre | Dubai | Commodities, finance, tech, blockchain | AED 33,600 | View Details |
| ICAD — Industrial City of Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | Heavy industry, manufacturing | AED 115,000 | View Details |
About Food Manufacturing License
Food manufacturing covers the production, processing, and packaging of food products. The UAE's food processing sector is growing as the country aims to improve food security.
A Industrial license is required for food manufacturing in the UAE. This activity falls under the Food & Beverage category.
You can obtain this license in 14 free zones across the UAE. The cheapest option starts from AED 10,300 for the first year, including license fee and basic setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a food manufacturing license cost in the UAE?
The cheapest option starts from AED 10,300 for Year 1 at AFZ. Costs vary by free zone, office type, and visa allocation.
Which free zone is best for food manufacturing?
It depends on your budget, location preference, and visa needs. AFZ offers the lowest starting cost. Consider factors like emirate, office facilities, and industry specialization.
What license type do I need for food manufacturing?
A Industrial license is required. This falls under the Food & Beverage category. The license type determines which activities you can conduct and which free zones can issue it.
Can I do food manufacturing as a freelancer in the UAE?
Some free zones offer freelance permits that cover food & beverage activities. Check individual free zones for freelance options, which typically have lower costs but limited visa quotas.
How many free zones offer food manufacturing?
Food Manufacturing is available in 14 free zones across the UAE, spanning multiple emirates. This gives you flexibility to choose based on cost, location, and business needs.
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